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By Project_Director, 03/18/2010 10:23 pm

Mission Report from CA-4 Team Leader Vod Pacheco

Mission Date 6/24/2161

Core Team Members – Keshawn, Tim, Fred, Vod

Establish communications, and get reinforcements for the high Desert

Or

One if by CA, Two if by NV

It seemed like I had just put my head down on my pillow after securing Prime base.

BUZZZZZZZ…. BUZZZZZZZ…..

BUZZZZZZZ….. BUZZZZZZZ…..

Dang it… the phone rang on the wall. I dragged myself up and reached for it.. noting that the rest of the team was still snoozing. Checking my watch I noted we got an entire 2 hours of sleep after being up for 48 or more straight, and trying to recover from the stims we had been using near the end.

“Hello? This is Vod Pacheco”, the Voice on the other end sounded entirely too awake. “Commander Pacheco, this is Sam Johnson of CA-3, you and your team are requested to report to Ops level 6 Phoenix Team Commander Bill Baxton’s office ASAP.”

“Um, right…. Who.. and where?, and right now? ARG!” There was a brief conversation in the background, and Sam came back on. “Sir, Im sorry, but he is mighty insistent that you come up here or I will have to come down and get you.”  Sigh.. “ok Sam we will be there in 15 minutes.” Sam replied “Thank you sir, and security sweeps of the base have not been completed yet.” I checked Keshawn’s PDA(im still missing mine since my original one is Morgana-linked), and it had no information on any Bill Baxton, or Phoenix team in the morrow project records. Unity didn’t show any information on this guy or the Phoenix team either.

I proceeded to shake the team awake, and tell them we had to report to someone from the Phoenix team.. who’s the phoenix team? I didn’t know, never heard of them, but they felt they had enough authority to order CA-3 around, so we better report.

We left most of our gear, going with combat loads, and headed out toward the ops cylinder, using Unity to figure out where we were supposed to go. We arrived in Ops level 7, and I was greeted by someone who I could only describe as a military computer geek in an all black MP style resistoweave outfit with a Phoenix Team-2 shoulder Patch on it. He had the pale pallor and look of someone who had just come out of cold sleep.  He said he was Bob Michaels, computer specialist for Phoenix team 2(what ever that is) and he would escort me to Commander Bill Baxton. Bob was armed with some type of backpack super assault laser which was much more modern than that MP equipment I was familiar with. He brought us to an office, where we were confronted by a similarly dressed man, obviously ex-military, about 40-50yrs old. He introduced himself as Commander Bill Baxton, and then asked me to turn over all command codes for Prime base to him. I asked him to confirm his identity via PDA retina Scan, and now, it said “Commander Bill Baxton, Morrow Project Phoenix Team 2 commander” I looked at his clearance level, and…..  I expect it was up there with Bruce Morrow himself.  I paged thru the PDA for a summary of the Phoenix team, and the PDA now informed me that these were the top-top guys in their fields. Bill Baxton was their commander, and specialized in organization and reconstruction. The other 11 members were Computers, economics, engineering, and the list went on. This was the Morrow Project Major league relief pitchers, when some type of emergency came up.  “Yes sir, right away sir”, I interfaced with Keshawns PDA, and informed Unity of the change of command and transfer of all command codes to Bill Baxton.

We spent the next 2 hrs or so briefing Baxton on the situation. 162 yrs late, bio-weapon took out prime base, no organized MP that we knew of, other than high desert command. No wake up codes, computer virus in the MP mainframe for prime base, etc. Each report seemed like a physical blow to Baxton, and afterward, he just rubbed the stubble on his scalp and said.. OK… we have a LOT of work to do. I informed him of the exhausted state of the team, and he said we could crash out and report back in about 12 hrs. I rousted the team, we went back to level 13, and got the first good night sleep in days.

Sleep, shower, food, and then back up to his office as my alarm beeped at 12 hours.

Baxton let us in the office, and said, “Good, you are back, and looking much better.” He needed us to go down the excursion base passageway, about 2km down, to the radio relay station antenna control room. Figure out why it didn’t extend on command, and fix it. Then continue on down the tunnel another 2km to the excursion base. Apparently this is where a bunch of the Prime Base vehicles and vehicle maintenance material were stored, and he wanted eyes on it to confirm status of the equipment. Also on the way, we were to take a cartload of LED emergency lights and replace the burnt out ones every 30 feet or so. We were given a MAG from Unity to pull the cart, and serve as a communication link back to HQ.

We took light combat loads, and started off on the trek. Pretty creepy being in a place no one had walked in for over 150 years. The MAG pulled the cart along, and stopped next to each appropriate LED that needed to be replaced. So we took turns bending down, and clipping the new light in, like a trail of crumbs leading back to the base. After about an hour and a half, we came to a short stairway, leading to the side utility door Marked – Radio Antenna Maintenance access. We opened the door, and another dark hallway lead off into the distance. After helping the MAG up the 2 stairs we started down the 1km tunnel, again replacing LEDs as we went. Eventually we reached the end, and found that the hydraulics for the antenna were in need of repair. We broke out the tools we brought, and got to work for a couple of hours,  eventually getting the system working. We reported back to control that they should be able to access the Antenna. Back down the walkway and then on the Excursion Base.

The corridor went on for another 2 km, slowly sloping upwards the entire time. Keshawn confirmed from the complete lack of any signs, that no one had been in this part of the base, so we didn’t have to worry about running into one of the rogue bikers or mercs. After another hour and a half, of stopping every 20 meters or so to change a LED, we arrived at the excursion base….. and we all just about fainted at the sight before us. It must be the size of 4 “costco’s” I murmured… I heard Fred say “Huh?”  The vast amount of material here was staggering. A pair of C-130 cargo planes, flanked by a Mars-1 and a Science-1 vehicle dominated the center of the Motor pool floor surrounded by 20-30 more combat vehicles. Utility vehicles, Commando Scouts, Rangers, V150’s, V300’s, Strikers, Airscouts, and then Fred saw the cargo vehicles. 6 brand new sparkling HEMTT Cargo vehicles, with a series of modules near them for easy conversion.  A couple of M1070 Heavy Transporters with Trailers, and at least a dozen M915 heavy lift trucks. All the vehicles looked like they were brand spanking new, with shiny paint and fresh tires; up on blocks. You could practically hear Fred thinking about the domination his clan would have with this type of heavy lift cargo transportation. Another dozen or two smaller utility vehicles and some HumVees could be seen as well. Then the supplies. 100’s of tires, barrels of oil, maintenance facilities, spare parts, Munitions beyond comprehension, with racks of Missiles, Rockets, crates of Ammo of all different varieties. With enough trained people, we could take over a mid sized country with the armaments that Prime Base must have. All of it deep stored, and waiting for the Morrow Project to put to good use. With the integrity of the excursion base confirmed, we turned around and walked the 4km back to prime base. At least we could make good time since we didn’t have to change light bulbs.

We made our way back to Baxton’s office, and could hear yelling coming from inside. Poole was here. And he was pissed. I couldn’t tell what was said, but about 2min later, Poole came out and signaled us to follow him. Our team picked up our gear, and followed him out and into another office down the hall. Poole briefed us in. The Mexicans were on the move again, and pushing very hard. They were armed with more tanks and vehicles than before, and seemed to have an endless supply of ammo the way they were shooting anything they could aim at. The Marines were fighting in Riverside, and getting pushed back. Poole had hustled up here once communications had been reestablished. He tried to convince Baxton that the high Desert command needed supplies to fight the current war. Baxton not only said no, but ordered Poole to get ALL the MP personnel up here to prime base to get it reactivated properly. I could understand Baxton’s perspective. Being awakened, way too late with no MP infrastructure to speak of. Security of the base unknown, not enough people to do even rudimentary repairs.  I informed Poole of the vast amount of vehicle transport, and munitions that we had found. Baxton has all the materials, and no people, while desert command has people, but no materials. I suggested to Poole that both priorities of prime base and high desert needed to be fulfilled.

We came up with a plan.

I would convince Baxton to let High Desert have munitions and transport vehicles to get them there… Poole would stop reconstruction work, and get those people up to prime base to enact repairs and get it online. He would also provide some security personnel from CA-7 trainees for Baxton as well. Fred said that his clan would provide enough drivers to operate 10-12 of the Heavy cargo vehicles, the M915’s and a HEMTT is possible.  They would do this for access to our maintenance and a pair of reserve fusion drive train’s to retrofit on their trucks. We could use the heavy cargo transport to get vital munitions, TOW missiles, Armbursts, LAWs, the type of munitions that would counter the Mexican’s Armor. We would ask for Commando scouts and a V300 to escort the vehicles south. And I would pilot an Airscout unit to scout ahead of the convoy and plot the pathway south. About 600-800 miles.  We could be there in about 10-14 days. Poole agreed, he was willing to do anything to avoid abandoning the work he had done over the past 6 months.

I headed to Baxton’s office with Fred. I sent Tim and Keshawn off to get me a new PDA. Baxton looked up from his terminal, “Yes Vod, what can I do for you.” I knew this was a turning point, and if I screwed this up who knows where we would be headed next.

“Sir, I would ask that you reconsider the orders to redeploy all MP personnel to Prime Base”

With a heavy sigh, he turned to me, sat back, and replied “Why, what could be more important that Prime base”.

“First, I understand that you are in command. But with all due respect I think you are making a strategic error abandoning the high desert. My team has been out for about 5 months now, but even our team members have begun putting down roots. That speaks nothing of the 100 years of CA-7’s efforts. You sir, have a base sorely in need of people. The high desert command has people and support infrastructure that sorely needs organization and materials. Can the Morrow Project afford to break the promises, commitments, and alliances the “Morrow Project” has made in that region? There are a lot of people who are just beginning to think that the MP is more than a flash in the pan. That we are truly here to help them rebuild. Make a place safer for them and their children. To return Freedom and order to this land, where people only think of the  next mouthful of food, or the next crop to bring in. Those people in the south of here are the future of the Morrow Project. They are the people that can come to believe in what it stands for, what it can do, and what it can teach them to do for themselves.”

“Vod, you have my attention, continue”

Sir, this is Fred Douglass Johnson. We met up with him not more than 15 min after we exited our bolt, and he, being someone who grew up in “this time” somehow kept the idea of freedom, democracy, and America alive in his heart. Fred went on to talk to Baxton about how the MP has done good. How the “people” have just begun to trust and believe in the MP. How if the High Desert command left them now, especially now with the Mexican army on the move from the south, it would damage the name of the MP perhaps irreversibly.

“What are you two suggesting?” he replied.

“Sir, we have seen the heavy cargo transport vehicles of the excursion base. Fred comes from a Trucker Clan. His people can provide the drivers, if you are willing to let us take 10 or so of those vehicles, some escorts, and an Airscout, all loaded up with these materials(show him a list Poole provided of vital needed materials) from prime bases’ reserve stores. None of them are first line equipment, but the replacement stores from the MP 2008’s tech upgrade program. With that type of commitment, Poole can stop the reconstruction projects in action now, and redeploy those people here to help get Prime base back up, and also provide security personnel from CA-7’s reserves.  As payment to Fred’s clan, they are asking for a pair of reserve Fusion drive train assemblies to retrofit on their own trucks.

Baxton looked at me… to Fred.. back to me, took the list and sat back…. After scanning the list, he made a few notes. He picked up his phone, and said “Conner, come in here.”Another of the phoenix team members came in and took the list from Baxton’s outstretched hand. “How much of our material would this list constitute of Prime Base’s supplies?”. Conner took the list, and after about 10 seconds of thought, he replied “about 20% of our heavy ground base cargo lift, and 5% of the weapon stocks, 10% of the medical and communications equipment”. Baxton sighed. “Alright Vod, you have some good points, we don’t live in a vacuum, the MP does need to start somewhere, and we will need indigenous support. I just wish it was closer than what… 600 miles?

Also, do you know what happened to CA-6, we could use that heavy earthmoving equipment. And isn’t there some type of Railroad repair unit down there? The computer files on teams and locations are a shambles in prime base from the virus that was set loose.”

I informed Baxton that we hadn’t located CA-6 yet, or the Southern Pacific Railroad unit either. But I was sure once the Mexican situation was settled that they could be investigated without distraction.

About 1 minute of silence went by before Baxton said “Ok Vod, Fred, you convinced me… get your plan drawn up and submit it to me for approval. One problem, which you might not be aware of, the Excursion base is under a huge amount of dirt that will take at least a week or so to clear. We already have the one earthmover in route by helo from High Desert command to begin excavation. You have until then to get the “trucker clan” here and the vehicles readied and loaded.

Baxton continued: “ I need a security plan on how not to revel the location of prime base to these truckers before I okay the final plan. You have one week to get the needs and personal ready.”

With a wave of his hand broxton dismissed Vod and Fred.

Vod left the room with Fred in tow and said : “The cannonball run is on!”

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By Project_Director, 11/15/2009 1:09 pm

April 27 to May 1, 2161
Frederick Douglass Johnson
Inland Empire Trucking Co., Attached to Recon CA-4

Tuesday April 27

We rolled into Barstow after visiting Edwards AFB, late evening. The rest of the Morrow Project contingent caught up later. It was still basically a shithole, although this time there were a lot more armed people hanging around. Farmers, vaqueros, cowboys, ranchers, Marines, Air Force, rich guys from Bakersfield. Some people before the war used to say an armed society was a polite society. You never hear them say that now that everyone is armed and they can shoot you for whatever insult they think you might have made, or for no reason at all. In my experience, a well-armed society is either a killing ground at best or an armed camp at worst. This was more of the armed camp variety, where the Marines kept the peace with an itchy trigger finger.

Our billet was the Dewdrop Inn, a prime location. We had to do a little negotiation to get the spot, but I think it was worth it.

Wednesday April 28

Morning came, and we had breakfast with Cathy Henderson. We also talked with MORGANA, where we made a plan to improve the High Desert’s water and electrical supply. We figure that this should provide an economic rationale for communities to work together for the future, and there will be a need for more centralised government both to oversee expanded public works, better regulate trade and create a fair and equal justice system.

First things first, Tim met with the local EmDees board and aced their exams. We shouldn’t have a problem with the EmDees or Doctors in the future. Good on him! We all went to the Militia shooting competition, where Vod and Keshawn had a good look at the local talent, so to speak. The Mexican “Peace Force” (the Imperial Mexican Army) arrived after the shooting competition was done. Fat and smug, they strutted around like they owned the joint. They also had some serious-looking mercenaries with them, under the command of a “Kira Krell”. It was hard to keep my eyes off of her, and the Krell mercs seemed to be tough customers. The team from Arizona gave us a head’s up that they were bad dudes and had a beef against the Project, which was good to know. It’s a shame that it seems unlikely we’re going to be able to bribe them to our side, like any self-respecting mercenaries. The BBQ at the Tribute Ranch and Holdings main house was held by David Briggs. That was a number one prime rib steak! We also met with General Thompson of the marines and Bill Johnson of Carsdale Construction.

Wednesday April 29

There were more events showcasing the militia’s skills and abilities. Again, fine horsemanship, some individuals were every bit as good as the marines and Morrow Project with regards to marksmanship but on the whole the overall units seemed ragged and uncoordinated in comparison when it came to tactics. The MARS guys put on a very impressive show of room-clearing and hostage rescue.

One thing worth mentioning is this guy in a pre-war uniform came up, and claimed to be Captain Mark Allise of the 5th Special Forces Group. He said he was there to make sure the Project fulfilled some kind of pre-war agreement. I would assume from what we heard of a similar group showing up a long time ago at the Abby to the south, and the shape of their gear, he was legit. If the Project and the prewar US government had some kind of agreement, then it makes sense that the cryotube technology would be shared, and soldiers would be frozen to keep an eye on the Project.

The barn dance was pretty impressive. Lots of people there, including that Kira woman. Again, she seemed to cast some kind of a spell on folks, myself included. We wouldn’t find out until later what may have been going on with her. She talked to Vod, and I’ll leave it to him to elaborate what she said on account I was distracted. Overall, not a lot of business was discussed as this was a purely social event. We gave invitations to our own shindig on Friday, when we could talk turkey with those we felt would be most sympathetic

Thursday April 30

This was an important day, as there was a big meeting. The Imperial Mexicans explained why they crossed the US border and invaded southern California. They claimed it was for defensive purposes and somehow blamed the Morrow Project for this. Which was difficult to understand, seeings how the Project hadn’t been south of the High Desert until long after the Imperial Mexicans invaded. Vod took the stand and blew them out of the water, and I think that’s when folks started to take not of the Project as more than just a small but well-equipped faction.

Thursday night was the formal ball. Bustles and hoop skirts for the ladies, Sunday best or tuxedos for the men. Daryl Bingartsen of the Steel Springs Ranch is interested in getting in on the ground floor of any development or projects we undertake, and what we could do to benefit his operation. More serious was Michael Comminigs of the 25th Guild branch of the International Brotherhood of Electricians was concerned about expanding electrical production and possibly threatening their monopoly on power generation. I merely explained that expanding electrical capacity would expand the market, and they would therefore benefit too. In other words, a rising tide raises all ships. Luckily, Commings saw the big picture, and promised to meet us the next day to discuss business, along with Bingartsen.

What worries me is that if we can only get people interested in what we’re doing with their hands stretched out, how’re we going to build a society and nation that’s stronger than people’s greed and self-interest. These are powerful motivations, granted, and we’ll need to make something as long-term and difficult as rebuilding the USA worth people’s while, but somehow people’s motivations should be deeper. It has to be something they want, something they will sacrifice for.

Ryan and Vod talked to an Intel officer with the Imperial Mexicans, LT Rodriguez. It seems likely he was the guy we kicked out of Big Jake’s place, where he was leading some kind of recon. He asked about the advanced weapons we used, like missiles and the laser. Also, he implied that not everyone in the Mexican Empire was happy with the Krell’s influence. If the Krell hate us so much, they could be behind the Imperial Mexican’s invasion, although this happened before the Project was really on the scene. If there’s dissent or even factions that want to act against the Krell that could be useful, but then again Intel guys are famous for spreading false information and rumours. Something to follow up if we can, but we’ll need to independently verify this. If the Intel guy wants to follow up, he knows where we are or can convince the Marines he’s serious. Otherwise, it’s up to him to prove his case.

Next entry: the KFS, the Mexican General, and the double-cross the next day.

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By TimHart, 09/10/2009 7:35 pm

MISSION FILE: RECON CA-4 – CA2 COMMAND GROUP – WESTERN REGION
DATE: 4/04//2161-4/05/2161
LOCATION: At Home Base, Ca.
REPORTER: Tim Hart, Medic of CA-4

Day 4/05/2161:

We made it to the area CA-1 was located in, and found some local gangs to point us in the right direction. Contact with CA-1 was established, and a plan was made. CA-4 would secure the western bridge to allow for CA-1 and the campus to EVAC and head to the CA-7 ranch and our new compound. Once we had this done CA-1 would create a distraction to pull troops off the eastern most bridge and jam/white noise the Mexican army communication. With the help of Morgana and her eyes in the sky we were able to get live feed of the three bridges and the troops on them. (Note: It seems Morgana has a few hellfire missiles. She did say she would use them to save us if she thought it was needed but it did not come to this.) It was decided to split the team in to three groups for the first part of the assault. I and Hanna would setup the Dragon to cover the western bridge and Campus Drive road. Vod, Fred, and Keshawn would make their way with silenced weapons to the western bridge and secure it. Travis and Rick would take the V-150 and slowly head up on the causeway until it could see both campus drive as well as Macarthur Drive bridges for cover. As Fred did not have a silenced weapon I lent him my Sig. (I was able to get it back with little fuss.) I and Hannah made our way out on to a sand well more mud bar way in the open and setup the Dragon system. We keep an eye on the bridge to help, but did not see much. Around ten min or so before CA-1 would start there distraction we heard Vod over the radio say, “take them out” followed by a message to CA-1 to start to jam them. Soon after this we saw a Mexican trooper running on the far side of the bridge. Hanna tried to take him but missed on her first shot. One of Vod’s team got him before she had a chance for a second shot. I thought we had alerted the Mexican army, but right after this Vod signaled the all clear and to rejoin on the bridge. We made our way to them very fast and were able to setup the dragon system to cover the other side. As we were finishing the setup the V-150 finished clearing this side of the bridge. I saw the Mexican APC on the other side of bridge with Fred manning its main. I could almost see the kool-aid smile on his face as he stationed the gun to cover the road.

It seems Vod and them had done a great job and found some new toys to help us cover the EVAC of CA-1. We now had an 81mm mortar and the Mexican APC. Vod radioed CA-1 letting them know that the bridge was secured and they could start the EVAC. Keshawn manned the mortar and on Vod’s mark started to pepper the MacArthur bridge walking round after round in onto the Mexican troops. He then took Hannah and they headed out to wire the bridge. A few minutes later we heard CA-1 start their magic to pull the Mexican teams off us. From what Morgana was telling us it seemed the Mexican army was running around like a chicken with its head cut off. They were firing all over the place because of CA-1 and the Mortar.

Soon vehicles of all kinds started driving across the bridge pushing east. As the last of them passed me I sighted in on more vehicles driving along the south road towards our bridge. I asked Morgana if it was the enemy and she confirmed that they were the enemy. I sighted in on the T-72 tank. As soon as I got a lock I fired and guided it in, but from the sound of the hitt I knew I did little damage. I had hit it right up where it had the best armor. While I was reloading I heard the two APC we had let go on the other incoming enemy. Ii sounded as if they blow it up, but I was too busy with reloading to see what they had done. While I was reloading the dam tank got off two shot. Too slow is all I keep thinking as I sighted in on it again. Just as I got a lock on it she fired again smashing the Mexican APC Fred was in. I saw him thrown from it, flying into the bank and mud. I let the second rocket fly and this time I heard a good sound as it hit and the tank ran off the road into the water where is was smoking with no movement. I quickly reloaded the last of the missiles just as the last of the EVAC trucks sped past me. We still had no sign of the Science-one. Vod signaled to load up and just as I was going to pull out I saw CA-1 crash thru a wall heading for the bridge, and right on her tail where three or more enemy tanks. Not thinking I let fly the last of the rocket. Swam it hit and she was hurt but still coming and dam it was close. I could see the markings on her, but hell if I had time to get a good look. I pulled the sights off the tube and ran like hell for the V-150. As I think Keshawn was firing over my head at the tanks. I made it in and as I looked back it looks as if he tracked her right in the middle of the bridge. Dam he gave us some much needed time with that hit. Right then Vod popped the bridge and the tank slowly slid into the water helping to bring the bridge down. We followed,  right on the tail of CA-1 soon catching up with the much slower EVAC group. Around this time someone said that the Science-one was on fire and she soon pulled over and the fire was put out.

While we were stopped the leader of CA-1 offered us what she could. We reloaded as we could and were able to get two more missiles for the Dragon along with a few more Armburst. While I was helping move the load I saw they had a MK2 laser. I pulled it as I had been on a team to train with it. Bruce or the project must have known we would need the training I received. Hell if not pushed I would not have spent the time I did to train in it or the missiles systems the project had. We were back on the road and soon saw it was going to be a long slow trip. We were lucky if we were get 15 miles an hour as a whole.  Morgana came over the wire to inform us we would not be able to out run the Mexican army on our tail and that we had ten to fifteen on us. She also dropped the bombshell that she would not be able to help us or slow them down as she needed to re-fuel. Vod was working with CA-1 on a plan when CA-3 (MARS) said they were ahead of us and that CA-3 and CA-4 would stop to slow the Mexican army while CA-1 and her group headed to safety.

Moving as fast as we could along the 241 we meet CA-3, the MARS Group. Just on the other side of a bridge. The tank looked like nothing I had ever seen before. It had what I thought was a 25mm Gatling gun on it but soon found out it was a Gatling laser. We set up a defensive position across a river on the east side of the bridge. We had about 20 minutes until the Mexican army would show up. CA-3 had downed some trees for us to setup behind. I handed off the Dragon to Vod as I had been trained on the MK1 laser. With Vod on my right and Hannah on my left I began to prep, digging as deep a hole as time would allow behind the downed tree. Once done I prepped the laser and the armburst we had as well as the ones we pulled from the Science-one. Hannah was working with the new sights she gained from the science-one while telling Fred to keep safe. Fred pulled all the ammo he could and setup for a crossfire on anything that moved on the other side of the river.  Keshawn manned the main and I’m not sure where Rick was but I do know Travis was in the driver seat ready to get us the hell out of here as needed.  CA-3 had the Phoenix tank in the middle of the road. We were to the left or south of them and the ca-1  Humvee with a Mk19 40mm grenade launcher was to the right or north of them behind some rocks. CA-4’s V-150 was positioned hull down just to the left or south of Hannah, with me and Vod north of her.

All we could do was sit, but we did not sit for long. We soon heard a humming sound. Then four aircraft approached our position. Dam, Dam, Dam, the Mexican army had air support. Shit we had not grabbed the Stinger weapons system from CA-1 and we did not have our own with us as it was in one of our stores. I saw Keshawn cranked the main gun up and sight in on the incoming air. I also heard the Phoenix start to elevate its main gun up for a shot. I thought what the hell if they get over me I may be able to get lucky with the laser and WOOT I did. We all let go and Keshawn hit one sending it outbound, but not before it dropped its bombs. Thank god it was still way out. The one I hit had its wing sheared off and it flung out of control. I was looking in awe at it till I saw the one the Phoenix hit just go puff. One second it was there and the next all I saw was just very small debris raining down. The fourth plane took a good burst from our 25mm and went down with a bang. Then I saw the first one flight off, bugging out, fast after being hit and seeing the other three go down.

We had no time to rest as over the hill to the west a tank and an APC rolled up.  I hit the APC in the front tire causing it to slow and head into a rock out crop while the V-150 opened up on it. I could see men jumping out of it behind the rocks. Vod slammed the tank with a Dragon and it started to smoke but did not blow up. The tank then popped smoke to cover itself as the Phoenix opened up on it. This was the first time you could see the light of the laser as they went thru the smoke slamming into the ground. Another APC come over the hill and another tank. I fired another Armburst at this new APC and she blew up. The tank that had popped smoke made the mistake of coming out of it. The phoenix hit it and made Swiss cheese out of it. You could see right thru the holes made in it as it slowly rolled to a stop. A third group of vehicle came over the hill. I think it was a couple of trunks, but not sure. Things got a little foggy here as a team behind the rocks opened up on us with what I think was a 50 cal. Dam I thought I was going to need to change myself after that. Right after we took the 50 cal fire the MARS team on the M19 opened up and peppered all the incoming area. This gave me a chance for a quick shot and the gods were on my side as I hit one of the trucks in the frontend stopping it. Seeing the damage the 40mm was causing the men as they rolled out of it made me happy I was over here. Just then we took fire again from that dam 50 cal and I could hear them bouncing off the V-150. The whole time Keshawn and Fred were just going to town on the enemy. They were just ripping away at them. The next thing I remember is I grabbed the M21 off Hannah and aimed at the 50 cal behind the rocks only to see the whole area go up in flames. Vod had let a sovo off from the MK 202 Flame Weapon, and the area looked like hell just shot right up out from the ground. You could hear the cries of men only for a second or two before the air was burnt out of them from the heat. Soon the smell of burnt flesh made it our why. No matter how many times I have been forced to smell it. I always have to steady myself from losing my lunch. The MARS tank opened up one last time. This time at the other tank and it just cut the turret right off and Boom, it light up. This was all the Mexican army could take as they started to bug out with Fed and our guys helping them along. I was cleaning up the gear when I heard someone say Travis was hit and down. I ran to him and just could not believe what I saw. Half the side of his upper head was gone or hanging to the side I could see a mass of blood draining out from the wound and his brain was in full view. It seemed the V-150 cannot take a 50 cal hit and one punched thru and hit him. I grabbed the full surgical Medical kit and went to work saying a prayer for him as I did. Not sure how I got the bleeding to slow or how I was able to bring his blood presser back up. All I could think was to cover, apply pressure and put him in a coma so he was not aware of the pain or trauma. We bugged out fast leaving the clean up for CA-3 as we made our war to CA-1. We had to get him in a med bed and if needed a freeze tube. The doc’s and I worked on him and soon we had him in critical shape. I do not think he will be in the field ever again, but only hope he is able to have a good life. Too few of us for the losses we took. CA-1 has two or three and even if we take a thousand to one in losses it will be too, too, much.

We made it back to base and word seems to spread fast as no one got in are way. It was good to see my wife and the new digs. To tell you the truth, I did better than I thought, but would have done anything not to loss what we have. Poole gave us a breather but I’m sure we will be debriefing soon. He said we would have a week or two down time to get things worked out.  I do not trust this, been in military too long to let my hopes get to high. Seems we lost another computer and CA-9 is none to happy. CA-4 grabbed a cell block and it seems we will soon be knocking down walls and setting up home. I grabbed a cell and so did my wife next to me we will join them and have our own bedroom and who knows. Seems there is a dance soon and my wife it working with me to dance. I really do have Whiteman dance skills, stand in one spot lift legs move arms. This ballroom and line dance crap is a pain. Hell I think she wants me to sing or something as she seems to be working on getting me a guitar.  I did not sign on for this, but as they say I can be right or happy. As long as she is happy I will be happy and she did join up with me as well as stay by my side as I dragged her all over hell.

I’m a lucky man really and I know it. Ok step one two step three four dam I’m back in school all over again.

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By Project_Director, 09/09/2009 10:10 pm

MISSION FILE: RECON CA-4 – CA2 COMMAND GROUP – WESTERN REGION
DATE: 4/01/2161 to 4/4/2161
LOCATION: CG- 2 FOB at CCI in Tehachapi Valley.
REPORTER: Commander Vod Pacheco, Recon CA-4

“Rescue and Evacuate Science Team CA-1”

Or

“We are going to need a bigger Boat”

Objective– Team CA-1, in their SCIENCE-1 Vehicle is under heavy attack by Mexican forces. They have requested assistance in evacuating themselves and 300+ People from the UCIrvine Area. CA-4 is being sent to assist them, with CA-3 (Mars) team in their Phoenix M1 Tank as backup.

4/2/2161

No rest for the tired and exhausted. We just got the Radio relay station activated, when CA1 came on the line indicating they were under heavy attack. Poole said to get the station totally online, and then get ourselves down to Cajon on the I15/138 interchange.

Apparently CA-9 has overhauled our vehicle, putting in a new computer, and some exterior armor plates, and cargo hookups. They will rush our vehicle down to meet us and take the horses off our hands.

Everyone bedded down in the cramped quarters of the 2 rooms for the night.

Morgana communicated to us and offered to ally with us asking for access to our net. This is something I’m thinking about. She could be a powerful force for us.

4/3/2161

Rick and Vod finished up at the Relay site, while the others went down the mountain a little early to see if anything could be discovered looking at the bodies from the ambush yesterday. Something was strange about those guys, not having any type of emotional effect from the overwhelming firepower used to break out of the ambush. Apparently the team reached the site, and found blood trails.. But no bodies. They followed the trail a little ways but were unable to tell much in the short time available.

Rick and Vod rejoined the group and we all went down to the head o the trail to get a hot meal, and then mount up on the horses for Cajon. We rode thru the town of Wrightwood, stopping long enough to say hi to the sheriff and confirm that things are on the mend between Carlston Lumber and the local blackfeather group. But we knew that the longer we waited.. The more people died. And we needed to make UCI that night. So we pushed on thru down hwy 2 and 138, eventually making it to Cajon where we were greeted by an exhausted CA9 group.

As promised our V150 was refitted and reequipped. Apparently they have been visiting various caches, and pulled out what Anti-Armor weapons they found to assist us. The Mexicans reportedly have APCs and some tanks, believe it or not. They stripped out all the extra gear from our V150, and replaced it with Dragon Launcher, with 3 missiles, an M202 Flash launcher with 3 sets of reloads, and a couple extra cases of ammo, grenades, and 40mm grenades. Dang.. What were we getting ourselves into?

Cajon also is the site of the “Highway Patrol” and a Major “Truckstop” for trading. The place stank from the local biofuel production facility. It was obvious to us that we needed a guide, so Fred took the lead and somehow transported us back to the 60’s… the 1960s that is. The Pot smoking Hippy guys who clustered around the VW Bus could have been on their way to Woodstock, except for the extra armor, and weapons bolted to their bus. Fred negotiated with the hippies and one of them agreed to guide us down to UCI. Meanwhile we went to the CHP office to find out any Intel on the roads as well from them. Here, Fred got kicked in the shins as he tried to “barter” the use of our new radio relay, even dropping hints as to where it was located. I bet that location just became the “you screwed up and now spend 3 months guarding this hilltop” assignment for High Desert MP.(note to self.. don’t screw up.. its freaking cold up there). We could have hired a CHP escort, but figured we needed to get on the road in order to make it to UCI by 1-2am. Perhaps future teams could use the CHP if needed.

We had 2 options… I15, which had more gang activity, or I215 which apparently is more of a war zone with artillery round going off. I bet the artillery is sending the gangs which usually were near I215 towards I15. With just our one vehicle.. we should be able to scoot past or shoot past anything we run into.

We were making 20-30mph or so and everything was cool for about 15 miles. Fred was watching out back, with his LMG on a post mound, while Keshawn was on the 25mm and I was head out, looking around. Both Keshawn and I spotted some movement in some buildings on the side of the road. They must have had radios, cause about a minute later a bunch of cars and motorcycles came barreling down an onramp behind us, in Hot pursuit. I don’t think their radios were working too well, or they might have realized that when you pull the tail of a tiger…. Expect to get bit. Or in this case… Mauled. The Gangers were driving some crazy way on the road, they must have known this stretch of the road well, and were gaining on us steadily. I ordered the Turret rotated around to face the rear, and warned Fred we were rotating around so he could get clear. The Gangers had some Nitrous or something because a couple of their vehicles were making crazy noise and acceleration. I let loose on the Mag58, and Keshawn took a bead with the 25mm. The Mag58 took out one vehicle, and it swerved off into a piling. BAM. One down. Keshawn let loose with the 25mm, and must have hit the Nitrous tank, because it went up with a WHOOOSH. I got tossed back in my seat, and will have bruises on my chest for a while. The rest of the team was scrambling for firing ports in the rear, and I let loose with another burst from the Mag. I missed the first time, but walked the rounds right into the driver, and it too swerved out of the way. One of the trucks has some type of cannon, and put a hole in the back of the V150. No one was hurt, and that vehicle didn’t last long as Keshawn poured about 15 rounds of 25mm into it. Small arms fire from the rear of the V150 was taking out some bikers as they came too close and apparently Hannah tripped and let out a few rounds inside. Keshawn took one in the thigh, but I wasn’t serious. A few more seconds, and all the vehicles were burning… and the few bikers left were running the opposite way. We rode on.. Tim bandaging the few friendly fire hits… into the Republic of Corona.

Corona is a strange town. Sort of a “Don’t mess with us and you can stay here if you pay enough” We spotted a Mexican army unit, and what appeared to be mercenaries and various groups all over the compound. They gave us our paperwork and we paid for the “luxury” of using the crossroads. Apparently that is where they get their money, my taking a skim off the top of anyone doing any type of trading or salvaging.

We heard from CA3, the Mars unit, and they said that they were about 3 hrs behind us in Cajon, and were moving to assist south down our route.

Morgana came on the line again, and I made the executive decision to allow her access to our Net. The advantage she presented us was just too good to give up. She had an aerial drone in the air, and was giving us live feeds from UCI and the surrounding area. It was even armed with a couple of Hellfire’s which she would use if we were “threatened” in her opinion. We moved on down the 91, then 241 south, chatting with Morgana on the radio, and getting a feel for the tactical situation. Eventually we took the 261 down into Irvine, and contacted the CA1 to find the plan. They were south west of the 405 in what used to be the University Town Center. Under heavy fire and being approached from 3 sides. There are 3 bridges in tact across what used to be the San Diego Creek Channel… the 405, which is a 10 lane monster, Campus drive which is little more than a causeway, and Macarthur Drive, which is the only span left from the 73 hwy group. CA1 was planning a diversionary attack at 300am, and we needed to clear/secure the campus drive bridge by then preferably quietly.

We made it into the area about 1am and were north of the campus Dr Bridge getting the lay of the land from some local citizens willing to help us out. CA1 had been awake since early December 2160 and had made friends with them. There were some units on each of the 3 bridges. The 405 had a couple of vehicles, Campus drive only a single APC with a squad of men, and Macarthur drive had what appeared to be a couple of Humvees parked on it with 12-20 men around.

Evacuate CA-1

Or

Tanks and Trucks and APCs oh My!

4/4/2161 – 1AM

Tim and Hanna took the Dragon and the M21 out on to a spit of land which overlooked the Campus Drive as well as the road going along the side of the river. And the V150 crept up on the causeway until it could see both campus drive as well as Macarthur Drive bridges. Travis and Rick stayed in the vehicle while Keshawn, Fred and Vod took silenced weapons and approached down the side of the road towards the APC and people on Campus Drive.

All was going to plan, and we had crept up to about 30 feet. I could see through the lowered back ramp of the APC, some type of Tracked vehicle with what appeared to be a 20mm autocanon, and it had one guy in it facing away, crouched over the Radio. A couple of guys were keeping warm around a fire, and there were some sleeping on the ground nearby. We even spotted a mortar pit across the road from us which probably had a few more sleepers. We were just getting set up when SNAP… Fred hit a twig. “Did you hear something?” Dang it… one of them started walking towards us… we all froze… but he got close enough and started to say… “Hey I think…. “ Fth fth fth…… a burst from my silenced MP5 stitched up his body and he dropped like a rock. I vocalized over the radio… “take them out”. At the same time, I relayed to CA-1 to start Jamming all the Mexican radio transmissions. Keshawn used his suppressed G36 and started knocking down the others. Fred jumped up behind a log which was put across the road and used a silenced pistol on the others. Vod took aim and after a couple of bursts… the radio operator went down. Fred was double tapping enemies as they woke up or started coming at us. Keshawn picked off one sentry from the other side of the bridge… and then the other sentry started running… Vod tried with the last of his MP5 ammo.. but missed. Hanna even tried with the M21 on the mudspit.. but missed. Keshawn took one last burst.. and downed him. Fred called out “give up.. put your hands up” and the remaining Mexicans did. Wow… we actually took the enemy down silently!

Time was running short and we had about 15 min until CA1 started their distraction attacks. We let CA1 know that the bridge would be clear in about 5 min and they could start moving civilians towards the bridge when ready. I radioed Travis to bring the V150 up to pull the log out of the way… while I jumped into the Mexican APC… and started it up. Luckily my construction equipment work let me know how to run a tracked vehicle. I used the APC to push the log on the south side of the bridge out of the way.. then moved it around to the north side. Keshawn said he could run a mortar decently, took stock of the ammo, and I had him take aim for MacArthur bridge. Meanwhile Hanna and Tim pulled up stakes and came in from the mudflats to rejoin us at the north end of the bridge. Tim set up the Dragon again to cover the south end and road. Fred jumped into the 20mm command spot.. and I grabbed Hannah and the demo pack to wire the bridge. A few minutes later… we could hear all hell break loose with CA1, and Keshawn started dropping rounds on the vehicles and people on the bridge. The idea was general mayhem, and with using the mortars, they had no idea where the fire was coming from. Morgan confirmed that the Mexicans on 405 bridge were racing southwest towards the diversionary attack, and out of position to block us on our planned escape route.

Civilian vehicles of all sorts started driving across the bridge heading north. Tim spotted a couple of Mexican vehicles driving along the south road towards our bridge. Morgan confirmed that they were an enemy T72 and another APC. Tim took aim with the Dragon while Rick and Fred aimed with the v150 and APC main guns. Tim fired the Dragon.. and hit.. but not critically. It swerved, but didn’t stop. Rick and Fred both opened up.. and 25mm/20mm rounds quickly dispatched the APC. The T72 fired a couple of rounds, and one hit Fred’s APC. Luckily it didn’t explode.. and Fred jumped out, heading for the V150.. Tim reloaded and a 2nd shot hit the T72, as it drove into the water and stopped. All the civilians made it across and we loaded up in the V150 with Keshawn in normal gunner seat, and me out the top with the remote detonator.

The Science-1 burst out thru a building and headed towards the bridge.. trailing smoke. Not more than 10 seconds later, another T72 rolled out of the building on it’s tail. The T72 fired but missed everyone. Keshawn started firing the 25mm, rounds bouncing off, but hopefully distracting the enemy. The Science 1 made it across the bridge.. and Keyshawn managed to knock the right tread out of the T72, as it came to a rest in the middle of the bridge… I hit the detonator switch… and the bridge went down, with the T72 into the muck. More enemy units were heading our way, but we quickly pulled north out of sight, and rejoined the Science1 vehicle, which successfully put out the fire in the rear.

Everyone formed up, and we headed out, trying to outrun the enemy into the hills. We were making good time, but he civilian vehicles couldn’t go too fast. Morgan said her drone was running out of fuel, and had to return to base. Before she exited the area, she informed us that about 10 Mexican Tanks/APC/Trucks were following us, and estimated that the Mexicans would overtake us at their current rate of speed on the 241 just past Irvine Lake.

6:15am 4/4/2161

We kept going, and were relieved to hear from CA-3, the Mars Group. They were monitoring our situation, and had set up a defensive position across a river crossing/bridge. We had about 20 minutes until the Mexican showed up.. and during that time we scavenged some Armburst missiles, more 25mm ammo and another pair of Dragon missiles. Tim even pulled the Mk2 Laser unit from the Science vehicle. CA-3 placed their Phoenix Tank squarely in the road, and their 2ndary vehicle with a Mk19 40mm grenade launcher behind. The V150 was hull down behind a tree trunk, with our personnel spaced out from it with infantry weapons.

Then we started hearing the buzzing. It took a few minutes, but we spotted 4 aircraft approaching our position. Great…. The Mexicans had air support. And we left the stinger missiles with the science 1. Keshawn cranked up the 25mm to use in Anti-air mode.. and Tim even aimed with the Mk2 Laser. The first aircraft aimed at our V150. Keshawn let off with the 25mm and a few rounds must have hit. It dropped a couple of bombs, but they flew wide. The next one suddenly lost a wing, as Tim pegged it with the Laser. As the 3rd plane approached we heard the Gatling laser on the Phoenix spin up.. and the plane just vaporized… The 4th plane took a burst from the 25mm and went down as well.

We all then turned to face south and awaited the ground forces. A pair of T72 and a couple of APCs crested the rise and we all opened up. The V150 took down an APC, while I hit a T72 with a Dragon. The T72 wasn’t knocked out and popped smoke. Fred, manning the Mag58 on the V150 was letting off his long bursts, at the trucks and people who began to dismount. The Phoenix Tank spun up but missed the T72 and made a bunch of holes the ground. Tim fired an Armburst, and pegged another APC, turning it into scrap as people jumped out behind a boulder. The T72 in the smoke stuck out is nose, and fired, but missed. The Phoenix tracked over and a bunch of pretty beams of light in the smoke highlighted the damage done, as holes appeared thru one side of the tank and out the other. It stopped working.

A 2nd group of vehicle followed the first, a couple of trunks, another T72 and an APC. The Mars M19 Humvee let off a long burst of 40mm grenades among the vehicles, doing all sorts of damage. Tim took out a truck with an Armburst and the Phoenix turned another T72 into Swiss cheese. At that point people dismounted behind the bolder opened fire with a 50cal on our V150. A couple of rounds hit us and penetrated our armor. I pulled out the M202 rocket launcher and turned the bolder area into a 2000 degree inferno. Another bunch ov 40mm grenades, and MG rounds and the Mexicans had enough. They turned around, and ran back south.

We assessed the damage to our vehicle. And we suffered our first major casualty on the team. one of the rounds hit Travis in the head, and did a nasty job on him. Tim ripped out his Medpack and went to work, and amazingly managed to stabilize him. The computer got hit again! We have to retrofit some serious Armor plate around that thing once CA9 replaces it. We quickly moved up the road to rendezvous with CA-1 and they managed to hook Travis into a medbed to further help him out. They said he would probably survive.. but wouldn’t be the same again.

Everyone mounted up, and we convoyed back up to the high desert and back to the ranch. Not a single ganger even poked their nose out at us with all the firepower we had visible.

Poole said we would have a week or two off, as they organized things. We noticed that he and Martha of CA-7 were practically inseparable.. and they seemed to be getting along much better. Apparently they had made peace of some sort. CA-4 laid claim to one of the buildings in the old prison and we will use some of our down time to fix it up like home as much as possible. Being so far out of time….. it would be good to have a place to put down some roots, and call home..

Comments (1)

By Project_Director, 08/29/2009 9:41 pm

Hannah Douglas CA-4 (Detached CA-7)

MISSION FILE: RECON CA-4 – CA2 COMMAND GROUP – WESTERN REGION
DATE: 4/03//2161-4/04/2161
LOCATION: At Wright Wood, Ca.
REPORTER: Tim Hart, Medic of CA-4

Day 4/04/2161:
Well the report should be short today, but man what a long trip. Ok let’s get
it started. with a song, “Woke up got out of bed drag a comb across my hair.
Head up the stairs” Right about here the song ends. When that cold mountain air
hit you, NO joy at all. It was a long damp night, and just when I thought Fred
could not smell worse. Just think of Rasta and horse mix with all of our funk
not a happy spot to remember, but we were warm and safe as it were. Breakfast
was a food bar and water.

We locked up the site and headed back down to the ambush site. We did not find
much, the bodies were gone, dragged off to be eat or reuses knowing what we have
seen. We had a trail but not the time to really do a good job tracking them to
there base. If we did, I’m sure it would have been a fight again and we have
project members and civilians to save.

At base camp Carlos went all out for us eggs, bacon, sausage, biscuits. I ate
way, way to much but dam if it was not good. We then headed down the road to
Cajon. Along the way a flatbed truck hauling a knocked-out Marine tank passed us
heading the other way. The look on Fred’s face was not good. It seems Fred and
Hannah had never seen one taken out before. This can not be good as we most
likely have a new play entering the conflict to give the bad guys better gear.
We will need to look in to this more and keep our butts down on this run.

Cajon was a real stinker and I mean stinker. It seems they make there own
Bio-fuel and it smells. It is not much, just the CHP station and an old truck
stop turned in to a fort. It looked like something right out of the Mad Max
films. The police could have walked right off the set. It seems Fred lost a bit
of his rep being seen riding a horse. The support team was there with the
repaired and fully loaded for bear V-150. Hannah and Fred were each issued there
own full set of project team member gear. It must have been like Christmas for
them. They had big kool-aid smile, as they were being trained by the support
team and us.

We went inside the CHP station where Fred was once again in his element. He soon
had a road gypsy to get us thru the Deadlands as they call it. O yea I do not
know what they but in the food now days but dam I met another man this one named
Bo who was as big as if not bigger than the Sheriff at the fort. Fred and Bo
worked something out to get more time or info between the Gypsy’s and us. We
passed up the option to have the CHP’s run with us which I think we should not
have. They were loaded for bear and seem to shoot first and not even bother to
ask. We may be able to pull them in to allies with the project in the future.
A side note: It seems Fred did make a slip and informed the CHP’s about the
radio tower we had just finished bringing online. O’ well Poole will need to set
a team up on that baby or we may loss it.

A note on road gypsies: Think surfer/stoner/guide, they love the weed and
surfing, and seem to be the only ones crazy, well good at navigating the people
thru the ins and out of the on going conflicts in the area. Without them, I do
not think there would be much flowing thru the area.

It was decided that we would take the I-15 route down from Cajon to Corona.
This would allow us to avoid the Mexican army that seems to be operation around
the I-215. As we neared Fontana we were jumped by a pack of ganger’s as Fred
calls the.. Think bad guys from Mad Max movie.

I did not even get up till I saw was told Fred shot himself. (He was shot and
we have a small hole in the back door now.) It got crazy as Hannah tripped or
slip and let a round off inside the V-150. It is all good, but if not for our
gear I know Vod “The bullet magnet” would be dead, and maybe some others as
well. I worked on Vod, Keshawn, and Fred. Nothing to note but I will keep an eye
on them. The team did a great job on the gangers. Hum if not for the shooting I
would have still been a sleep.

We hit The Republic of Corona, what a capitalistic bunch of bastards. They are
my new definition for bad capitalism. It seems there are neutral to all if you
have the coin, and do seem to have the power hold there area. The toll was 4
gold crowns for a round trip thru there area.. We did see both Mexican and
Marine vehicles and units in town.. The Mexican army didn’t seem to care about
us which is a good thing I hope.

Once thru Corona, we picked up the I-90 and headed for UCI. At this time it has
been un-eventful. I was able to sleep off the food and I’m fresh and read for
the trip now. I will need to ask Fred to have the road gypsies pull back on the
weed as I do not need us all stoned by the time we get there. Around this time
we were told the MARS team was near Cajon. This makes them hours behind us.
It seems Morgana is coming to are aid. We may need to do another meet and greet
after this and work out an alias with her. As we can not real keep her out of
the project system it would be in both are best interest to join in re-building
this area.

Ok I have gone over my gear and we are ready to get are people out of here. If
we can bloody the Mexican army’s nose a bit we my get some more time to work out
what is causing them to push so hard and where they are getting the new gear
from.

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By FrederickDouglass, 08/25/2009 9:46 pm

MISSION FILE: RECON CA-4 – CA2 COMMAND GROUP – WESTERN REGION
DATE: 4/03/2161
LOCATION: At WrightWood, Ca.
REPORTER: Frederick Douglass Johnson, Circle-Lazy-Eight Ranch, Recon CA-4

Route Log April 03, 2161

In the morning we finally got back down to the ambush site after setting up the relay station. When we got to the ambush site, the bodies were gone, dragged off. Maybe by Night Eyes, but probably not. On the way to Cajon, we passed a knocked-out Marine tank, something I’d never seen before. It looked like a lucky shot blew out the magazine, but it was a reminder that the Marines are not completely bulletproof.

 Cajon was how I remembered it, with the CHP station and truck stop. I got a lot of flak for riding a horse, probably never live it down. The V-150 was there, and we got kitted up. Hannah and I were issued a lot of fantastic gear which smelled funny because, well, it all was so new! After talking to the CHP about leasing extra communications capacity with “Bo”, we picked up a Road Gypsy to help guide us through the Deadlands for a reasonable price. The CHP aren’t bad for Smokies, or “Badges”, and with their traditions, weapons and organization I think they could be a real help in eventually reconstructing the state of California.

 Poole wasn’t so happy about letting people know about our capabilities (and certainly people shouldn’t know too much) but keeping everything secret was the biggest mistake CA-7 made overall. No one will know or care about the Morrow Project unless they think it will directly or even indirectly benefit them, and they can’t do that unless we tell them. Create a demand for our services, as it were.

 The Road Gypsies are interesting folks. They are basically little cousins of the Gypsy Truckers, and they are indispensable as guides. Without them, trade in the Deadlands would be impossible. Most people like and trade with the Road Gypsies, but everyone knows that all Gypsy Truckers look out and protect them, and if anyone messes with a Road Gypsy they’re going to pay for it.

 We took the western 15 route down from Cajon to Corona to avoid the Mexicans on 215, keep them off-balance. We were attacked en-route by probably some of gang that operates out of Fontana, at least three pursuit vehicles plus motorcycles lying in ambush. We quickly blew up all the four-wheelers and a bike, and scared off the bikes, although I was inside the V-150 and couldn’t see who really did what. We’re going to be a little better organized on the rear trip; it was something of a “Chinese fire drill” with everyone scrambling for a gunport or a place to shoot, and I found myself pulled out of my position and Rick there, instead. We took some damage from a rocket or recoilless rifle to the rear hatch, and Vod and Keshawn each took a bullet but they luckily had only minor wounds.

We made the Republic of Corona, which is kind of a neutral territory. We saw that the MARS team was enroute and reaching Cajon behind us. The toll was 4 gold crowns there and back, not too bad. In Corona we saw both Mexican and Marine vehicles and units. The Mexicans didn’t seem to know who we were. Down 90 through the hills towards UCI was relatively uneventful.

CA-1’s perimeter was pushed hard and had lost an Airscout vehicle, some kind of ultra-light or helicopter. Either way, no air recon information from them other than the Mexicans had artillery.

We arrived about 15 miles out from UCI at dusk, and found out the campus was surrounded. The plan was to help CA-1 and civilians break out to the north at 0301 hours. MORGANA was asking for access to our team vehicle net computer thing to coordinate information-gathering, something I strongly support at least if it’s safe.